What biblical and church teachings might be used in a discussion about abortion?

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Introduction

A ii) What biblical and church teachings might be used in a discussion about abortion? There is nothing in the Bible that speaks directly about abortion. This is because during the time when the Bible was written, abortion wasn't an issue. However, although the Bible does not address abortion directly, It does talk about how life is special and that murder is wrong. There are many verses in the Bible that talk about how life is special. For example in Jeremiah 1:5, the Bible says 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations'. ...read more.

Middle

This verse also shows that God knew everyone before they were born and everyone is unique and individual, even mentally or physically disabled people. In Corinthians 3:16-17 the Bible talks about the body being a temple of God and that God will destroy anybody who should destroy the temple of God. This verse shows that God is against killing, and abortion is the killing of an unborn child. Also in Genesis 1:26-27 it says 'God created man in his image' this tells us that we are made in Gods image and to destroy another human being is a big act against God. Murder is clearly condemned in the ten commandments, 'you shall not murder' (Exodus 20:13). ...read more.

Conclusion

However they condemn the act of abortion and not the person. Catholic teaching also says that if the woman really can't bring up the child herself she should get it adopted. On the other hand, the Methodist church teaches that abortion is evil, but should be accepted in certain cases. For example they think it should be accepted if; the baby is going to be severely handicapped, if the pregnancy is the result of rape or if the baby will cause the mother mental or physical problems if it was born. The Anglican church believe innocent life should not be taken, and they also say there are acceptions. They tell people to consider the issue of abortion very carefully. The Baptist church teaches that abortion is evil, but they too agree that it should be accepted in certain circumstances. Rachel Merrfield 10A ...read more.

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know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy and you are that temple' (1Cor. 3:16:17). Reflectively there are some Christians that believe life does not start at fertilisation.

husband of the woman may lay upon him; and he must give it through the justices. But if a fatal accident should occur, then he must give soul for soul. In my opinion, this implies that the life of a foetus is equally as important as the life of a full grown man.

death, breast cancer, cervical, ovarian and liver cancer, uterine perforation, cervical lacerations, placenta previa, handicapped newborns in later pregnancies etc. One counselor argued that, "How many women would have an abortion, if they are told the truth?" This shows their dishonesty.

They might point out that the Bible stresses the sanctity of human life where humanity is made 'in the image of god' (Genesis 1:26) and people are commanded not to murder(Exodus 20:13) The commandment not to murder is often taken to mean that it is wrong to take human life except in cases of capital punishment or war.

A Christian may decide to join a pro-life organisation. For example, SPUC - the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child. They try to encourage people that abortion is wrong and to defend those with no means to defend themselves. SPUC would like to tighten the current law to stop the practice of abortion on demand.

murder since the first centuries of the church, and nothing permits it to be otherwise." The Church of England does not take such an absolute view on abortion. They say that it is not good but is allowed in the worst situations.

The Baptist Union asks what stage in pregnancy can the child be expected to live away from the mothers womb? Or when there is human life in the womb. But a number of Baptists condemn abortion because they say if its not the taking of life then it's the taking of potential life.